Former Ex-Gay Staffer Apologizes to LGBT Community

Randy Thomas, formerly of Exodus International, issued a public apology for the damage he caused many people over the years he supported the ex-gay movement.

BY Jase Peeples

July 24 2013 6:54 PM ET

The so-called ex-gay movement was left in shambles when Exodus International announced it was shutting down in June, and the group’s leader, Alan Chambers, publicly apologized for the harm it had caused LGBT people over the years for insisting they could be turned straight.

Now Randy Thomas, another long-term supporter and former employee of Exodus, has also issued an apology to the LGBT community for the damage the ex-gay organization caused.

“I participated in the hurtful echo chamber of condemnation," Thomas writes on his blog. "I gave lip service to the gay community, but really did not exemplify compassion for them. I apologize to the gay community for idealizing and reinforcing the institutional groupthink of Exodus. I apologize for remaining publicly silent about the hurt caused by some of Exodus’ leaders and actions. I also apologize for my inexperienced participation in public policy, placing my personal ambition over truly serving the gay community as a Christian friend.”